Commuter562014

MAY 7, 2014 • VOLUME 45 • EDITION 27

COMMUTER.LINNBENTON.EDU

Olympia Snowe page 3

Staff profiles page 4

Behind the comics page 11

sports page 6

Diversity On Display

Racial Profiling At LBCC? O

PHOTOs courtesy: commuter staff Music, dancing, and student booths filled the courtyard of LBCC on May 2 during Diversity Day.

n the same afternoon of Diversity Day festivities, LBCC faculty sat down for a serious conversation regarding an African-American student suspended because of a “dress code” violation.

Last Friday, 40 concerned staff gathered to discuss student rights, discrimination, and systematic oppression.

On April 23, the student, who will remain unnamed, was confronted in the Learning Center by a staff member who felt the student was dressed inappropriately. He was wearing saggy jeans exposing his boxers.

After declining the request to pull his pants up he was asked to leave the Learning Center. The student refused and security was called. He was unable to produce student identification, so he was escorted from the building and suspended from campus for two days.

Terryl Ross director of community and diversity at Oregon State, was invited to the meeting to lead the discussion about this scenario.

When the events surrounding the issue in question were recited to the crowd, a confused staff member asked, “What’s the dress code?” An immediate, confident and simultaneous response from several colleagues was, “There is no dress code!”

Here lies the problem.

“There were lots of people outraged, upset, stressed out, and whispering,” said Librarian Richenda Hawkins.

The Student Code of Conduct states that students disrupting the learning process can be removed from a classroom or work area. However in this case it appears the student’s behavior was not disruptive. He was seated, doing homework.

It boils down to a conflict of preference in dress attire between the staffer and the student.

“Why do we think my comfort level takes away from someone’s right to be an individual?” said Dana Emerson, communications instructor.

The subject can be a slippery slope. On campus many styles are seen. Rebel flag logos, cross-dressing, turbans and “goth attire” to name a few.

Is it fair to ask a student wearing a rebel flag on their shirt to cover it or leave the classroom? It too can be offensive, but is it unlawful to wear it?

The answer is no.

Students are protected under freedom of speech laws in school just as they are outside of school. Disagreeing with a fashion choice does not give the right to remove a student unless it specifically disrupts the learning process, according to campus policy.

“If we’re going to name what happened last week, it’s racial profiling,” said Javier Cervantes of the Diversity Achievement Center.

In order to suspend the student, several staffers were involved in green-lighting the action. The suspension fell during week five of a 10-week-term, right in the middle of mid-terms.

“Every step of the way there was an assumption of guilt on the student’s part,” said Hawkins.

After suspension, that assumption became a question.

Upon returning from his disciplinary action, the suspension was erased from his official record. The school recognized injustice and attempted to correct it.

However, no internal announcement of failed protocol was made to staff nor was a suggestion of how to avoid it in the future. Instead a bothered library staffer, Bryan Miyagishina, got the ball rolling with a staff-wide email initiating a sit-down.

Continued on Page 3

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2 BBQ Is Here For You CAMPUS NEWS MAY 7, 2014

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few short months ago the courtyard at LBCC was a deserted dead-zone with leafless trees and snow covered concrete. Now, it’s time to celebrate springtime, sun, and safety amidst the blooms and fountains.

On Wednesday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 3rd annual Health and Safety Fair will take over the courtyard with booths and demonstrations from over 25 vendors.

Organized by the LBCC Public Safety Office and LBCC Safety Committee every May, the intent of this event is to bring knowledge to students about how to live healthier, to offer solutions of assistance to those in need, and to educate safe practices in times of emergency.

“Every year it gets bigger and bigger. We’re expecting 300 to 500 students this year,” said Mindy McCall, chair of the Safety Committee.

Vendors will come from across the Willamette Valley including Lebanon, Albany, and Corvallis.

courtesy: Linn Benton Safety dept.

AT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY FAIR

A snapshot of expected vendors are: The Corvallis Clinic, LBCC Nursing Program, Search and Rescue, LBCC Horticulture Club, Head Start, Love Yoga, Kaiser Permanente, Dogs for Invisible Disabilities, Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program, Local Emergency Planning Committees, Linn-Benton HazMat team, Ham Radio Club, and Sick Town Derby Dames.

“We try to have a lot of information tables so people know where to go [locally],” said McCall.

Justin Franco, student and staff of the Safety Department, will be working the LBCC Safety Department booth. Their booth will provide information such as where to pick up lost items on campus, suggestions for registering cars, and general awareness.

“If you’re writing this for students, I think with my stomach,” said Franco.

Indeed a good reminder. The LBCC Dance Club will be hosting a barbeque! Plates are $4 for students and $5 for staff.

Fun can also be found. Among the informational booths there will be several vendors with interactive demonstrations. courtesy: Linn Benton Safety dept.

Workers’ compensation insurance company, S.A.I.F., will be doing a “drunk goggles” “They are awesome, they’re amazing!” said McCall. demonstration. They are designed for students to wear and Student Abby Hardy attended last year and enjoyed it so attempt to do ordinary tasks while the goggles give the much that she will be attending again this year. effect of intoxication.

“It’s a very happy environment. They’re very open, Kaiser Permanente will be giving students free Body and you can tell they are purposely here to help Mass Index testing, which measures body fat based off you,” said Hardy. height, weight, and gender.

Suggestions for future events can be sent to Love Yoga will be providing hands-on demonstrations. mccallm@linnbenton.edu.  The Haz-Mat team will have their truck outside of Takena Hall for students to tour. There will even be a fire prop set up for students to put out a fire.

STORY BY Allison lamplugh The Sick Town Derby Dames will also perform.

HOMEMADE MOTHER’S DAY

Cuddle up with a classic film (like anything starring Audrey Hepburn) or cheesy motherdaughter flick (“Mamma Mia!,” anyone?). Give a cozy night in theatrical cache with custom popcorn and a movie card to act as an adorable save-the-date.

Staff Debates Student Rights Continued from cover “I’m optimistic that our administration is listening,” said Miyagishina.

Among attendees were several representatives of Oregon State University. The student was dual-enrolled on both campuses.

“The impact has a ripple effect and it spreads and gets to those communities,” said OSU faculty Earlean Wilson-Huey.

Indeed it impacts neighboring communities and those involved. Not only were the student’s rights violated

but he has two campuses to talk among peers about the questionable practices of LBCC. “I can’t believe we did this here to one of our students.

Something like this changes us fundamentally. As a group of faculty it is our job to protect our students and we failed them,” said Jenny Strooband, animal science instructor.

Faculty that were present, and many that were not, are determined to learn from this situation and set motion to a plan that will stop something like this from happening again.

Notes were taken, action plans were outlined, and departments were assigned to the next step in continuing to address and correct this issue campus-wide.

Olympia Snowe

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CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY MAY 7, 2014

“It has come down from people at the top that this is important,” said Jane Tillman, student affairs specialist.

The included staff feel it was important for students to know their rights and where to go if they feel they are being violated. Any concerns on campus should be brought to the Human Resources Department in the Calapooia Center.

A supervisor in the department, Scott Rolen, was present at the meeting. He made it clear that all complaints brought to their attention will be investigated moving forward.

“There’s a lot of eyes here and there’s a lot of mouths here, so let’s speak up,” said Rolen. 

STORY BY allison lamplugh

Restoring the Sensible Center

HOMEMADE MOTHER’S DAY Think of it as payback for all those nights she stayed up taking care of you. Homemade teas in lemon, lavender, peppermint, and chamomile will help her relax, while a dreamy sleep mask ensures that night ends when she says it does.

Courtesy: mark urista Olympia Snowe and LBCC Communitcation Instructor Mark Urista share a selfie.

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ast week in Portland, I had the opportunity to meet than any other generation to identify with a political party. former Republican Senator Olympia Snowe, author According to a recent report by Quinn Thomas and DHM of the book “Fighting for Common Ground: How We Can Research, 45 percent of registered voters between the ages Fix the Stalemate in Congress.” Snowe’s reputation as a of 18 and 34 in Oregon are non-affiliated or independent. moderate centrist placed her in the indispensable position As an individual who fits within this cohort, I’m proud to of being a bridge-builder during her 34-year career in the say that I have never been affiliated with a political party House of Representative and U.S. Senate. Long respected and have no intention on registering with one in the near by members of both political parties, Snowe made national future. As an independent, I can freely evaluate politicians headlines in 2012 when she declined to run for re- from any party and hold my representatives accountable for election despite the fact that their actions. I also have the polls showed her winning liberty to promote the ideas comfortably in the blue state of a well-respected woman Dear Democrats and Republicans: of Maine. Snowe’s decision who is a member of a not so to retire was based on her We are sick of your partisan bickering well-respected party. conclusion that the current and unwillingness to compromise. Nobody Despite our jaded polarization between parties perception of politics, and has severely hindered the is right 100 percent of the time and both as clichéd as it may sound, cooperation and collaboration parties need to start working together to the future really does belong that is necessary for our solve problems. Please note we will reward to us. Every Millennial has system of government to those of you who are willing to engage one a responsibility in shaping work. In short, the “sensible another in a bipartisan manner with our a better political future center” is dead and won’t for our state and country. come back until voters vote and reject those who do not.

As a passionate advocate demand it. for a well-functioning During her presentation, government, Snowe proposes — kthxbye Snowe shared her frustrations a simple solution that every with the pettiness and registered voter has the partisanship that has power to execute: demand contributed to the current cynicism many Millennials bipartisanship from your representatives. It’s that simple. have about our nation’s political process. According to a When deciding who to vote for, focus on the issues, but recent Harvard poll, more than 50 percent of 18 to 29 year also focus on each candidate’s record and look for examples olds don’t think elected officials share their priorities, and of them working with political opponents. In doing so, we almost two-thirds said elected officials seem motivated by can send a clear message that we value cooperation over their own concerns. When looking at these numbers, can party politics and reject juvenile behavior that most of us anyone really question why our generation has historically outgrew years ago.  low levels of trust in government?

STORY BY mark urista Recent polls also show that Millennials are less likely

A classic Mother’s Day move, but for good reason. Tissue paper posies and hand-painted china will add festive flair to Eggs Benedict and fresh-squeezed OJ.

Sure, Mom would love a fancy weekend retreat, but we bet she’ll be just as touched by a basket of DIY home-spa goodies. Body scrub will leave her skin feeling soft and smelling sweet, while heart-shaped soaps help drive the “I love you” message home.

Surprise Mom with a stack of striped bangles in colors that complement her favorite outfits.

All you need are bangles, leftover string from craft projects, and some imagination.

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4 We Say Thank You To Audrey Perkins CAMPUS PROFILES MAY 7, 2014

Audrey Perkins doesn’t waste time. She strides to the front of her class, and without words, commands the attention of the entire room.

She begins each session in her Dojo with a satirical “Hello Class,” prompting a satirical, “Hello Mrs. Perkins” back, like a snarky poke in the ribs of tradition. She moves tradition out of the way enough to stand alongside her starchy co-confederate at the podium in the front of the class.

Audrey Perkins has been teaching at Linn-Benton Community College for the last 18 years. This spring will be her last term as an instructor.

The time Perkins spends instructing students is both direct and centered. Perkins emphasizes clarity and detail in every lesson. During her years as an instructor, she has remained focused on what students need to succeed in college.

“It is a gift to partner up with people who stand by their word and work hard to follow through,” said Sandy Fichtner.

Fichtner has been working closely with Perkins for the last 16 years as a fellow Developmental Studies department member here at LBCC. In 1996, Perkins began her career at LBCC as a contracted teacher. Because of an educational gap taking place among students in her Writing 115 and 121 classes, she approached the department head, Beth Camp, about teaching some of the more introductory writing courses so she could “get a feel” for what her students were learning before they arrived at the 100 level.

Thinking of herself more as a sensei at a dojo and less as a teacher at a school, Perkins has developed a style of instruction that draws from her ability to see what is relevant and cut away anything not useful. Much like Bruce Lee, her style can be viewed as unconventional, but each movement she teaches is maximized for efficiency.

In 1998, Writing 95 became a course at LBCC as Perkins became a faculty member. With the development of her course, she bridged the abilities of incoming students to the 100 level so they could have a fighting chance at an education.

Perkins set out to do exactly what she intended to do: teach.

“She has transformed many students over these years into confident, thoughtful, critical thinkers and empowered writers,” said Fichtner. There is a toughness that resides in some people. This toughness seeps from bow to stern in them. You can’t ask them about this toughness because they haven’t a clue what you see. A regular person

Hollis Duncan: More Than Math

COURTESY: HOLLIS DUNCAN

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COURTESY: AUDREY PERKINS doing regular things is all they are to themselves, not settling short of completing their goals.

Perkins has this toughness. There is no point in asking her about it.

Moving to the East Coast at a young age from the sunny paradise of San Francisco might help explain how to the point Perkins can be at times. Perkins, at a most impressionable time in her life, was thrown in the bustling fast paced life around Washington D.C. Understanding the difference in culture between the sunny west, free spirited atmosphere and her new surroundings was at a minimum staunch.

Every so often, people are thrown for a loop by the cold truths spoken by this assertive instructor, but in real life would you rather wonder about something, or know about something? Having the courage to be honest about not knowing something defines realities for people.

Small lessons like admitting you don’t understand something often will get glossed over on campus, but not in Perkins’ class.

Moments like those are when Perkins’ uncanny ability for clarity takes over like reflexive breathing while sleeping. Times like that are when she pushes each of her students to become a wiser version of themselves. This turning point happens in her dojo often.

“It is about empowerment,” said Perkins.

She makes a point out of teaching her students to take control of something inside themselves. At first it’s a small something like the ability to write clearly. Then she helps grow their talents into the greater ability of taking life head on.

“I can’t think of anyone who more deeply understood the impact of cultural and critical literacy in students’ lives and careers,” said Anita Helle, Professor of English/Director, School of Writing, Literature, and Film.

People that are desperate to change their lives take the first steps by coming to this campus; Perkins offers the challenges needed to succeed.

Her ideas will continue sparking fires as her students, co-workers, and peers echo her intensity in their own lives. 

STORY BY Chris Trotchie

raveling along I-5, a Linn-Benton Community College sign came into view. Hollis Duncan said to his wife, “Maybe I will work there someday.”

Duncan isn’t your typical mathematics instructor.

He is a “soccer mom.” He has three children and a wife. Every soccer game, Duncan can be spotted on the sidelines cheering his children to victory.

Eleven years and counting is how long Duncan has been an instructor at Linn-Benton Community College.

He didn’t always aspire to be a mathematics instructor.

In fact, he planned on being a zoologist early on, but he just couldn’t decide: penguins or wolves?

“Even when he’s being serious he’s funny,” said Bethany Pratt.

Wearing a tie-dye shirt with mathematics printed on it, he walks in with teaching in mind. Casually, he approaches the front of the class with a wit, leading them to believe he’s a joker and not a thinker. Then, out of nowhere comes this knowledge of sorts.

Sheri Rogers said, “He is quietly friendly and often times hilarious.”

Reserved, Duncan begins his lesson, filling out minds with algebra and doing it in a way only he could.

Psst! And then the look; you’ve been caught having a side conversation. Psst! An eyebrow raise and a point, then you know you’ve been caught red-handed in the cookie jar.

“Duncan’s lectures are never dull,” said Rebecca Chandler.

Strolling through the aisles of students, Duncan makes sure everyone understands. Strict lectures aren’t like Duncan. He’s a laid back kind of guy.

“Math can be fun,” said Duncan.

Zoologist or not, Duncan is a success in his own right. Mathematics instructors instruct, observe, and study students; looks like Hollis Duncan became a zoologist after all. 

STORY BY Melissa jeffers

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SECTION TITLE MAY 7, 2014

Presents

Arts & Entertainment Picks of the Week

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e e Piec l t t i L “A aven” Theater e H f o y Civic Alban adults kids r $12 fo seniors and $9 for

M ay

Alban y Bike S Vintage how Noon to 5 p .m.

M ay 1 0

Mother’s Day Plant Sale at LBCC’s Greenho uses

M ay 9

OSU Hosts Annual Fashion Show

‘Clybourne Park’ A Tony Award Winning Play

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hile some people are waiting for the re-emergence of the Willamette STAGE Company, there will be another show for the public to enjoy.

Robert Hirshl will be appearing in a play in Eugene titled “Clybourne Park” by Bruce Norris, which was the winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and Olivier Award, and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play.

Clybourne Park is step-child to Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 classic “A Raisin in the Sun.” (Many of you will have seen the film version of Raisin, featuring a riveting performance by Sidney Poitier.)

“The story is based loosely on actual historical events.

For example, Hansberry’s black parents bought a house

in a white Chicago neighborhood, creating a controversial legal case,” said Hirshl.

“Norris’ play perceptively and sharp-wittedly explores the confounding dilemmas of human relations in a multicultural world, dilemmas very much alive and resonant in today’s United States.”

The play is full of emotion and adventure. Clybourne Park fits precisely with Willamette STAGE Company’s dedication to “provocative” theatre, and the members of the company are sure that the audience will find it to be a rewarding experience. 

STORY BY lex porter

It’s springtime again, which means that it must be time for the OSU Design Network Fashion Show! It will be held in downtown Portland.

Members of the fashion show encourage the public to come out and witness the talent, hard work, and dedication that the apparel design students of Oregon State University put into all of their amazing creations. Also enjoy the company of friends, family, and industry professionals.

The show will feature garments from all skill levels.

If anyone would like more information about the show, please forward all emails to kyle.m.nys@live.com. 

STORY BY lex porter

English Department Holds Annual Reading

The LBCC English Department invites everyone to join them for their annual reading event.

This lively, fast-paced reading features a variety of short selections by the English Department faculty and selected students. With readings ranging from heartfelt to irreverent, there is something for everyone.

Refreshments will be served.

The event will be held in the Benton Center atrium on May 16. Doors open at 7 p.m., and readings start at 7:30.

Suggested donation: $5 - $10. Proceeds go to the English Endowment Fund.

Readers include Kiera Lynn (student poet laureate), Jenn Kepka, Lucette Wood, Jennifer Hartsock, Kasey Johnson, Tim Black, Victoria Fridely, Karelia StetzWaters, Michael Winder, Robin Havenick, Paul Hawkwood, and musical duo Kiera and Crash. 

LBCC Press Release

Cultural Center Breaks Ground

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Oregon State University Asian & Pacific Cultural Center took place on Monday, May 5, in a celebration tent located in the Fairbanks Hall parking lot on Jefferson Street, just west of 26th Street.

The new center is one of four cultural centers on campus to receive a new home. It is being designed by Jones & Jones Architecture of Seattle, who also designed the other three centers, including the Eena Haws Native American Longhouse and the Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez, both of which are now open. The Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center will also be moving into a new building.

The Asian & Pacific Cultural Center has been located in an older, former home on the northwest corner of campus. The new building will be built just west of the Fairbanks Hall parking lot on Jefferson Street, and just east of the new Austin Hall. Like the previous centers, the new center will include a gathering hall, a student lounge, a study area, and offices, as well as a kitchen and quiet space.

For more information on the groundbreaking, visit www.oregonstate.edu/apcc or call (541) 737-6522. A Facebook event page has been created at www.facebook. com/events/672401872808854/. 

osu press release

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SPORTS MAY 7, 2014

Oregon Baseball Strikes Back A

fter being swept by the Beavers last week, Oregon bounced back against Arizona, sweeping the Wildcats in a three game series over the weekend to extend their home winning streak to 16.

Starting out soft in the first four innings Friday night, Oregon broke out in the fifth when catcher Shaun Chase hit a bomb to center field. It was a solo home run to score the first of two homers from Chase that night.

“I’ve tried for the past three years, and its never happened. So it was kinda cool, I liked it,” said Chase after the game about hitting over the centerfield wall for the first time.

Thomas Thorpe was credited with a win from his strong performance at the mound, pitching eight innings and giving up only one run on five hits for the night.

Oregon beat Arizona 6-1 in the first of three games.

Saturday’s game would turn out to be a tougher victory to achieve. Arizona positioned for the win with a 6-2 lead

Weather WEDNESDAY MOSTLY SUNNY 68/44

THURSDAY SHOWERS 61/47

going into the bottom of the seventh with two outs.

Oregon hitters stepped up big.

Clean-up hitter Kyle Garlick drove in two with a triple, followed by Steven Packards’ homerun and two RBIs, closing the gap to end the seventh tied 6-6.

Extended to extra innings, Chase opened the tenth with a single to first, replaced by a pinch runner Desmond Santos. A single from A.J. Balta advanced Santos to third, and Austin Grebeck drove in Santos for the walk-off RBI, 7-6.

After using a slew of pitchers, Jake Reed earned a win pitching two scoreless innings to close the game.

“Were a little thin on the pitching staff,” said coach George Horton.

A strong performance from Brando Tessar started Sunday night’s game with seven scoreless innings and only three hits.

With the Ducks leading 1-0 in the eighth with runners

at second and third, Arizona intentionally walked Packard to load the bases for their best chance at an inning-ending double play.

Chase stepped up big for Oregon again on Sunday, hitting a grand slam to deep left-center field to put the Ducks up 5-0. Chase ended the weekend with seven hits on 11 at-bats with three homeruns.

“It was a good weekend for me, and I was just having fun with my teammates,” said Chase about his strong performance this weekend.

Oregon went on to win 5-1, securing the weekend sweep and adding some momentum for the rematch against Oregon State in Eugene. 

STORY and photo BY Andrew gillette

SOURCE: WEATHER.COM FRIDAY SHOWERS 60/44

SATURDAY SHOWERS 60/43

SUNDAY PARTLY CLOUDY 65/44

MONDAY MOSTLY SUNNY 81/50

TUESDAY PARTLY CLOUDY 80/49

UO Football Shows Promise The two biggest weaknesses for the Ducks going into next year might have gotten the boost they needed after the spring football game came to a close.

Oregon is returning plenty of offensive starters to be successful, but the question that needed to be answered was who would step up in the wide receiver position.

Josh Huff entered the draft and won’t be returning. Bralon Addison injured himself earlier in spring practices and had what is most likely to be season-ending ACL surgery.

Daryle Hawkins is gone.

This leaves Oregon’s depth chart wide open.

Redshirt freshman Devon Allen showed poise beyond his years, gaining 94 yards and securing two touchdown receptions. Another Redshirt freshman, Darren Carrington, scored the only touchdown for his team.

“Excited by the direction we are going, we got a lot of young guys that have to do a lot of work between now and opener. And lucky we have it,” said Mark Helfrich after the game.

Senior Johnathan Loyd, who played four years for Oregon basketball, found a way to keep playing for the Ducks, using a rarely seen rule that allows a player to play a fifth year in

a different sport. He joined the receivers in spring camp after basketball and shows promise for someone who hasn’t played football in four years.

“We understand the receivers are a little depleted, but those guys outside, those young guys, are going to come out and work and get better,” said Marcus Mariota on his young receivers.

Defense wins championships, and like most in the Pac-12 there was a lot of room to improve. Oregon lost four defensive linemen, and a few names stepped up to enter the void.

Returning sophomore starter DeForest Buckner earned 2.5 sacks, leading both teams. Junior transfer Tui Talia had five tackles for the day.

Mariota was 6-7 for 100 yards and 23 on the ground, and looked unstoppable for the short time he was on the field in the first quarter.

The backup quarterback is still open. Jake Rodrigues took more snaps and had one interception, while Jeff Lockie looked more comfortable in his snaps, securing one touchdown and no interceptions.

Mariota’s first team won the day 27-7, but the best result was that everyone looked good and nobody was hurt in the game. 

STORY BY Andrew Gillette

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AROUND CAMPUS MAY 7, 2014

PHOTO: RYAN MILLER Kathryn Cellerini Moore presents her abstract art in an Art 102 class.

Springtime On Campus

PHOTO: PAIGE MILTON Emily Kozlowski (right) passes the ball to her partner Lindee Elmblade.

PHOTO: CALEB CLEARMAN

PHOTO: ALLISON LAMPLUGH

Leanne Snyder is defended by Simone Thornton as the team practices offense vs defense drills.

Ace as he flares in frustration when the mare is taken away.

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OPINION AND POETRY MAY 7, 2014

Advice From Weiss

COLUMN BY Mark Weiss

Question: I’m wiped out. School, work, other stuff. I feel like my immune system is crumbling because I’ve been sick twice this term already. But what can I do? It’s not like I can just stop doing homework or taking tests. Or that I can quit work, for that matter. Sometimes I look at my cats and my dog and wish I was one of them. They always seem to be able to relax. Their lives seem so simple. What’s wrong with this picture?

Answer: We don’t know how to rest, most of us. We live in a culture that puts a lot of pressure on achievement, and working hard is usually what we are told we need to do in order to succeed.

However, many times what helps us succeed is rest, meditation, prayer, or reflection, so that our bodies and our minds can rejuvenate and heal themselves, giving us the energy we need. After all, it’s very difficult to succeed with a tired body and a tired mind.

Your pets may be just the role models you need. As I’ve watched the dogs and cats in my life, it’s almost as though I’ve been given a video on how to be healthy. They know how to stretch, when they relax they relax completely, and

they aren’t ashamed of taking time for themselves. They pursue their personal needs without apologies, and at the same time their needs are very simple and attainable.

And when they are sick, they lie down and rest until they are better.

I recognize that taking time to rest, to heal, and to reflect are not things we teach in our culture. We teach that you should give 110 percent. But let’s think about that for a minute. There’s only 100 percent of anything, so if you give 110 percent, you probably have pushed yourself too far and are a likely candidate for health problems.

I recommend that you ask for help from anyone and everyone in your life, that you go to the Learning Center to see if there are more efficient ways of studying, and that you consider seeing one of our counselors for stress management tips. And that you make like any sensible pet, and set aside time to completely relax and get some deep rest.

Poetry Corner “The Expression”

“Serenade of the Clinically Insane”

People of expression gather here wear your heart on your sleeve fly your flag proud no matter how it sound because we are all similar we all use the same drug of choice Verse something you can’t put in reverse but it can be rehearsed it’s a healthy choice to to find your voice you have the subject choice reveal it all or wear a mask as long as you’re comfortable with the task

Each blooming flower grows for thee, It blossoms at thy smile; But from my endless pit of blood, “Haiku on Love”

Their bursting buds seem vile.

when we stop loving

And as their stems to heaven shoot,

we bring forth a river of

Atop the mountain summit,

dishonest anger.

So shall their dainty leaves decay, ‘Till they resemble vomit.

By Kiera Lynn Each carefree cloud, thy silhouette to tease my dreaming, forms; But still my wretched festering heart Is gnawed apart by worms.

By Kent Elliott

And as the birds thy name intone, And trill in jubilation, I hear throat-ripping wails and shrieks enriching my damnation.

Still, in my dreams I take thy hand, And see us swim together Across the pond of stinking ooze In which I live forever.

If you will say that you’ll be mine,

HOMEMADE MOTHER’S DAY

This year, skip the drugstore card and craft a symbolic gesture to show her what her many gifts meant to you. Start with a personalized notebook - a subtle nod to your unwritten history together in the years to come.

I promise you I will Ignore the voices in my head Commanding me to kill.

And I will buy, to show my love, A golden wedding band, And let you place another one Upon my severed hand.

We’ll find a humble little house Where we can be alone With carpets made of human skin And walls of splintered bone (the best, of course) And with each kiss that I bestow I’ll prove my adoration, My darling girl, my only love, My dear, Hallucination.

By Henry Moursund

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OPINION MAY 7, 2014

LIBERALLY CONSERVATIVE LENIENT CORNER T

Drones and the Hell They Rain

he talk of drones usually leads to finger pointing. If you are from Pakistan, this is for good reason.

Since The President took over in 2009, the number of drone strikes and people killed has been staggering. And though Obama is king of the mountain, solely blaming him is just ignorant.

This country that we live in is not a monarchy.

No one man has all the power, and if he does it came from somewhere where checks and balances are also in place.

For Obama to enforce or implement anything, it would have had to pass through the House and Congress first. Simply put, that means you and I are really to blame. We put these men and women into office and we are responsible for how they act, regardless of how we voted.

COLUMN BY In an article that was featured in U.S. News TEJO PACK and World Report Online, Benjamin H. Friedman discusses this very topic saying, “Obama has gone too far in exercising war powers because Congress let him.”

Too far is an understatement.

The estimated total death count since Obama (according to drones.pitchinteractive. com) is over 3,000. Before his administration the figure is estimated under 200 (almost half of whom were children).

Of those combined numbers, only 50 were estimated as high-profile targets. In fact, the estimated number of children killed by drones outnumbers the high profiles by over 3 to 1. And this is where the issue with dornes lies: If we were really out there killing “terrorists” and this unmanned aircraft was used solely to stop Al-Qaeda, then its proposed purpose would be necessary; but when numbers show that more innocents die than necessary, we have a problem and that problem is transparency.

“You and I are really to blame. We put these men and women into office, and we are responsible for how they act.”

To this point the American Government holds all the cards on who has been killed and who hasn’t, and they claim that the number of civilians killed is small.

Yet in an article written by Susan Cornwell and Mark Hosenball on www.reuters. com, this “truth” is discussed. “Pakistan told the United Nations that of some 2,200 people killed by drone strikes in the past decade, at least 400 were civilians.”

If this is true, then the “near-certainty that no civilians would be killed” policy to drone strikes isn’t being upheld.

Furthermore, quotes like these suggest that it would behove the U.S. Government to at the very least release statistics showing those actually killed. They have done this in part, but the explanations for who qualifies for what statistic is vague: “The Obama administration classifies any able-bodied male a military combatant unless evidence is brought forward to prove otherwise,” says drones.pitchinteractive. com. I’m not sure what that means to you, but for me that says if I’m standing next to a member of Al-Qaeda, I’m fucked.

We are a country founded on due process. Now I realize these people are not citizens of the U.S. and therefore are not entitled to the same rights and liberties, but at the very least they should be given the opportunity of defense before we blow them away.

Especially the children.

Otherwise we’re just another country committing war crimes, and it is never a good idea to appear to have committed war crimes. It’s even worse to cover them up.

War crimes are a very serious matter and something we should not ignore. If current laws proposed by Congress and ratified by Obama are allowing for the innocent to die, then it is up to us to see that changed.

The innocent people of the Middle East have had the rain of hell upon them long enough. We need to affect change before they rise up and do it themselves. 

Convenience or Mayhem From Above

O

ne of the issues that many in Western civilization face in the modern world is the lack of moderation when it comes to technology.

Technology can indeed be a wonderful thing. We can now keep track of events around the world in real time; we can do research on any given topic from nearly anywhere in the world; and we can keep up with and play games with friends and family from the other side of the room or the other side of the planet. Unfortunately, too many people take the use of modern technology too far.

We went from using our phones to make simple calls, to using them to play games, take photos, and browse the internet, too. Those things aren’t necessarily bad, however, too many people seem to spend their lives glued to their devices and not on making human contact.

COLUMN BY A new technology is surfacing in the world of DALE HUMMEL high tech. This new device is unmanned wireless aircraft known as drones. Like any other kind of tool, its popularity and success depends upon its use. Drones are being planned for commercial service. According to money. cnn.com, Domino’s Pizza is in the process of using drones for delivery. Likewise, www. computerworld.com tells us that Amazon is planning to use drones to deliver packages that are five pounds or less in 30 minutes or less. Unfortunately, until the FAA approves the use of unmanned wireless aircraft, you will just have to wait until at least Dec. 31, 2015, to have your new tablet and pizza flown to your doorstep by a drone.

On the other hand, as the science fiction movies and history have told us, big government will never pass up an opportunity to use technology against its own people to further an agenda. The proof that the Obama administration is targeting conservative

“As the science fiction movies and history have told us, big government will never pass up an opportunity to use technology against its own people.” groups is now overwhelming. Breitbart.com tells us about the IRS targeting rightleaning groups for IRS surveillance and monitoring websites, group activities, and any public information wherever it is available. It has also been documented that through “bad metadata innocent lives have been lost.”

I’m sure that the U.S. Government doesn’t want to target American citizens by using drones to search, locate, gather information, and if necessary eliminate the possible hazard. The use of drones by the U.S. Government to locate threats to America is an idea most Americans can support. However, what would the government classify as threats to national security?

Mrconservative.com tells us Attorney General Eric Holder said in a speech last year that American citizens who pose an “imminent threat of violent attack” may be targeted, although the “violent attack” isn’t specific. According to The Washington Times, the Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about “right-wing extremist activity,” including those against Obama and disgruntled war veterans. Does this mean the government will be using drones to locate, spy on, and eliminate the “right-wing threat?” We hope not.

Drones are not all bad. Like any other tool, it’s all how it’s used. Drones can also help police guard the borders, monitor irrigation on farms, sell real estate, and locate lost hikers. Embracing technology, even for older people, can be and should be a good thing.

Drones can be a wonderful tool for convenience and information if we can just keep it that way. If drones are allowed to do quick delivery, any one can get a fresh, hot pizza with 30 minutes without the delivery boy. As long as certain people in the government and companies can use drones safely and productively, we can experience the convenience and not the mayhem. 

courtesy: Krzysztof Smejlis This cuteness has no relation to the opinion page.

Please send opinions and responses to: The Commuter Room F-222 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW Albany, OR 97321

Editor-in-Chief: commuter@linnbenton.edu

Opinions expressed in The Commuter do not necessarily reflect those of the administration, faculty and students of LBCC. Editorials reflect the opinions of the authors.

The Commuter encourages all students, staff, faculty and administration to be engaged in conversations and discussions on current topics.

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10

FUN AND GAMES MAY 7, 2014 FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 15, 2013

Campus Bulletin

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Medicine-testing org.

4 Brief chat 8 Destructive insect 12 Tolkien henchmen 14 Astrological Ram 16 Days of old 17 Frequent prank caller to Moe’s Tavern 18 Snicker 19 Ostrich cousin 20 Put on trial, in the military 23 Forrest Gump’s Army friend 24 “Nifty!”

25 Chowed down 26 One of the Gulf States: Abbr.

27 Springsteen’s “__ to Run” 30 One who hems but doesn’t haw?

32 Fruity loaf 35 Séance sounds 36 Even-steven 37 Indian prince 40 “Nerts!”

43 Caption under a monkey covering its eyes 48 Casual comment 51 __ helmet: safari wear 52 “__ Yankee Doodle ...”

53 Sleeve filler 54 Broadcasts 56 Parachute fabric 58 End dramatically 62 Catches some rays 63 Freeze over 64 Committed perjury 66 “Miss __ Regrets”: Porter song 67 Perform brilliantly 68 Long-tailed 8Across 69 Approach 70 Sinusitis docs 71 Darn or baste DOWN 1 Watch chain 2 Bram Stoker’s count

May 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - LBCC will be holding their annual Health and Safety Fair in the courtyard. There will be vendors from around the area giving info on health and safety topics.

May 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - There will be a Mother’s Day Plant Sale in the greenhouse. Stop by and purchase a plant to give to your mom on her day this Sunday.

May 11 - Call your mother today, it is Mother’s Day. May 14 at 2 p.m. - There will be a Talent Show in the courtyard. Come watch your fellow students show off their talents.

May 14 from noon to 3 p.m. - Hypefest will be held in the courtyard for information and support of campus clubs.

May 20 at 8 p.m. - This is Election Day and the deadline for ballots. If you are a registered voter in the State of Oregon and wish to participate in this years primary elections you must turn in your ballot by this time in order for your vote to count. There are designated drop boxes in the Library and in Takena Hall, you can also stop by your local library or county courthouse.

By Gareth Bain

3 Nimble circus performer 4 Light bulb unit 5 Utah city 6 One-named Barbadian singer 7 Brand that “Nothing runs like” 8 British pianist Hess 9 “C’est magnifique!”

10 “Rock-a-bye baby” spot 11 Painful-looking soccer shots 13 Puny pencil 15 Tuned to, as a radio dial 21 Synagogue leader 22 Call __ day 23 Defective 28 Miner’s discovery 29 Wine shop section 31 “Dies __”: hymn 33 Jones of jazz 34 Half of sechs 38 Colony crawler 39 Sloop in a Beach Boys hit

Monday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2013 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

40 Seems to last forever 41 Require to detour 42 Strong-smelling cleaner 44 Oscar-winning “Casablanca” co-screenwriter Julius or Philip 45 Lithuania’s capital 46 Comic Coca who worked with Sid Caesar

5/7/14

June 4 from noon to 2 p.m. - Speaker Loren Chavarria will be in the Diversity Achievement Center talking to students about women in agricultural work and the dangers that they face.

4/30/14

47 PC-to-PC system 49 Wharf rodent 50 Fuzzy green fruits 55 Wealthy, in France 57 Southern pronoun 59 U.S. ally in WWII 60 Follow the game?

61 “Planet of the __” 65 Margery of nursery rhymes

Intangible Earth

CREATED BY: Jarom Knudsen

Behind The Comic:

Jason Maddox

THE COMMUTER The Commuter is the weekly student-run newspaper for LBCC, financed by student fees and advertising. Opinions expressed in The Commuter do not necessarily reflect those of the LBCC administration, faculty and students of LBCC. Editorials, columns, letters, and cartoons reflect the opinions of the authors.

Letters Welcome The Commuter encourages readers to use its “Opinion” pages to express their views on campus, community, regional and national issues.

The Commuter attempts to print all submissions received, but reserves the right to edit for grammar, length, libel, privacy concerns and taste.

Opinions expressed by letter submitters do not represent the views of the Commuter staff or the College.

Deliver letters to: Address: The Commuter Office Forum 222 6500 SW Pacific Blvd.

Albany, Oregon 97321 Web Address: commuter.linnbenton.edu Phone: 541-917-4451, 4452 or 4449

11

PA G E

FUN AND GAMES MAY 7, 2014

Jason Maddox works on his comic.

When he was 16 and freshly enrolled at LBCC, he was too shy to ask The Commuter if they wanted to publish his work. So Jason Maddox left a letter in the dropbox with a comic strip attached and waited for a call. A year later the paper called.

Now a senior at Lebanon High, but dualenrolled at LBCC, Maddox has been drawing comics for eight years.

His progression from stick-figures to what they are today has included eight or nine characters. He experiments with new types of art as he expands his talent.

“I look back at drawings I did two months ago and see how much I’ve improved,” said Maddox.

Choosing a favorite, he likes his current strip the best.

“I like this [character] because of how it’s evolved. It looked a ton different from what it does now,” he said.

A perfectionist in his work, he checks out of reality and puts all his attention into getting that one curve right. When he creates at his light table in his room he gets into “the zone.”

“Not while I’m inking!” he sometimes exclaims when his intense concentration is interrupted.

He seeks opinion from his siblings and says that his brother, who tried a short-lived hand at comics, likes his current character too. Maddox hopes to create a web comic with his sister. He wants to draw, and she wants to write.

“Growing up, my dad wouldn’t let us read the comic strips until he read the paper,” said Maddox.

Three’s A Crowd

His favorite comics to read are Calvin and Hobbs, Garfield, and local comic Stone Soup by Jan Eliot.

Maddox says “they are stimulating and funny!”

Many of his storylines pop randomly into his head, and others are influenced by what he sees people do. When he gets in a creative zone, he might pump out 20 comics in just a few days.

He likes to use sarcasm in his work and admits he has not published some of his comics for fear of offending. Recently he’s been focusing more on content than looks.

“I’ll just create little stories in my head.”

As if high school, college courses, and freelance work are not enough to keep him busy, Maddox is also illustrating a book for one of his teachers at Lebanon High. They plan on selling it on Amazon.

When he’s enrolled full-time at LBCC and majoring in computer science, he wants to learn how to create his own page on the web.

For now, readers can view his work on his Google Plus page for “Three’s A Crowd.” 

STORY and photo BY Allison Lamplugh

BY: JASON MADDOX

Email: commuter@linnbenton.edu Twitter @LBCommuter Facebook The Commuter Google+ LBCC Commuter

Our Staff Editor-in-Chief: TeJo Pack Managing Editor: William Allison News Editors: Denzel Barrie Allison Lamplugh A&E Editor: Alex Porter Sports Editor: Cooper Pawson Photo Editor: Yuling Zhou Opinion Editor: Dale Hummel Poetry Editor: Kent Elliott Copy Editors: Jarred Berger Andrew Gillette Alex Reed Staff Writers: Elizabeth Mottner Chris Trotchie Video Editor: Theo Hendrickson Webmaster: Marci Sischo Page Designer: Nicole Petroccione Adviser: Rob Priewe Advertising Manager: Natalia Bueno Assistant: Nick Lawrence

Level: 1

2

3

4

May 7-13 Wednesday: Paella*, Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy, Portabella Sandwich. Soups: Mulligatawny, Vegetable and Rice*.

Thursday: Kalua Pork* with Macaroni Salad, Chicken Wings, Vegetable Pot Pie. Soups: Lentil and Bacon*, Cream of Hazelnut.

Friday: Chef’s Choice.

Monday: Chicken Massaman Curry and Rice*, Pork Jaeger Schnitzel, Vegetable and White Bean Stew with Toast. Soups: Chicken and Vegetable*, Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice.

Tuesday: Chile Verde*, Roasted Beer-Brined Chicken with Pan Gravy, Vegetarian Polenta*.

Soups: Oxtail*, Corn Chowder.

Items denoted with a * are gluten-free.

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

© 2013 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

PA G E

12 Philomath Robber At Large COMMUNITY NEWS MAY 7, 2014

S

mall town incidents don’t usually hit the newsstands nor do they get a lot of attention, but a certain local convenience store recently took the spotlight.

Around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, a man entered the Philomath Market on Main St. in Philomath and robbed the store at gunpoint.

Security footage was taken of the gunman pulling out the black handgun near the clerk and the clerk taking money out of the register.

“The robber had walked into the store around 11:57 p.m. and left the store on foot about 25 seconds later with an unknown amount of money,” said Sgt. Ken Reuben of the Philomath Police Department.

Philomath Police Chief Ken Elwer confirmed that a masked robber fired a warning shot during the exchange and left with the cash.

“I was alone in the store when the robber walked in,” said the Philomath Market clerk, remaining anonymous.

“He walked up to the register, pointed the gun at me, demanding that I give him money. I didn’t do it right away, and so he lowered the gun slightly to the left of me and fired it, but I was not injured.”

The thief is believed to be between the ages of 25 and 30.

He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black watch cap, blue jeans, and a dark bandana or scarf over the lower part of his face.

The Philomath Police Department was assisted by members of the Oregon State Police, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Corvallis Police Department to investigate the crime scene.

“Officers were on the scene less than a minute after the 9-1-1 operator dispatched the call, and they searched for any potential suspects who were either on foot or driving,” explained Reuben.

Police continue to investigate, and Chief Elwer said on Wednesday afternoon that he didn’t plan to release any other information at that time.

The store manager declined to answer questions about the incident.

No suspects have been found and the gunman is still at large.

If anyone has any information about the robbery, they are encouraged to contact the Philomath Police Department at (541) 929-6911. 

STORY and Photo BY Lex porter

Caption.

HOMEMADE MOTHER’S DAY

courtesy: Philomath Market Caption.

Remember the button with your team picture that she used to wear?

Upgrade with a photo necklace or pendant featuring pictures that won’t embarrass you.